The chemistry of nickel in biological systems has been intensely investigated since the discovery of the essential role played by this transition metal in the enzyme urease, ca. 1975. Since then, several nickel-dependent enzymes have been discovered and characterized at the molecular level using structural, spectroscopic, and kinetic methods, and insight into reaction mechanisms has been elaborated using synthetic and computational models. The dual role of nickel as both an essential nutrient and as a toxin has prompted efforts to understand the molecular mechanisms of nickel toxicology and to uncover the means by which cells select nickel from among a pool of different and more readily available metal ions and thus regulate the intracellular chemistry of nickel. This latter effort highlights the importance of proteins involved in the extra- and intra-cellular sensing of nickel, the roles of nickel-selective proteins for import and export, and nickel-responsive transcription factors, all of which are important for regulating nickel homeostasis. In this Special Issue, the contributing authors have covered recent advances in many of these aspects of nickel biochemistry, including toxicology, bacterial pathogenesis, carcinogenesis, computational and synthetic models, nickel trafficking proteins, and enzymology.

Metal Ions in Biological Systems is devoted to increasing our understanding of the relationship between the chemistry of metals and life processes. The volumes reflect the interdisciplinary nature of bioinorganic chemistry and coordinate the efforts of researchers in the fields of biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, environmental chemistry, biophysics, pharmacy, and medicine. Volumes deal with such topics as the formation, stability, structure, and reactivity of biological compounds of low and high molecular weight containing metal ions; the metabolism and transport of metal ions and their complexes; and new models of complicated natural structures and processes. Devoted solely to the vibrant research area of nickel and its role in biology, Volume 23 offers a comprehensive account of this important subject from the perspectives of 24 distinguished, international authorities. In 11 stimulating, in-depth chapters, Nickel and Its Role in Biology covers nickel and its function in the environment, in aquatic systems, in plants, as well as its metabolism in man and animals ... treats nickel ion binding to amino acids and peptides ... examines nickel in proteins and enzymes, including hydrogenases ... considers the interaction of nickel with nucleic acids and their constituents ... displays thoroughly the toxicology of nickel compounds ... and describes the analysis of nickel in biological materials. With more than 1,400 references to assist further research, Nickel and Its Role in Biology is an essential resource for scientists and students in several disciplines, including biochemistry; bioinorganic, inorganic, and coordination chemistry; biophysics; molecular biology; enzymology; pharmacology; clinical chemistry; nutrition; and toxicology. Book jacket.

The chemistry of nickel in biological systems has been intensely investigated since the discovery of the essential role played by this transition metal in the enzyme urease, ca. 1975. Since then, several nickel-dependent enzymes have been discovered and characterized at the molecular level using structural, spectroscopic, and kinetic methods, and insight into reaction mechanisms has been elaborated using synthetic and computational models. The dual role of nickel as both an essential nutrient and as a toxin has prompted efforts to understand the molecular mechanisms of nickel toxicology and to uncover the means by which cells select nickel from among a pool of different and more readily available metal ions and thus regulate the intracellular chemistry of nickel. This latter effort highlights the importance of proteins involved in the extra- and intra-cellular sensing of nickel, the roles of nickel-selective proteins for import and export, and nickel-responsive transcription factors, all of which are important for regulating nickel homeostasis. In this Special Issue, the contributing authors have covered recent advances in many of these aspects of nickel biochemistry, including toxicology, bacterial pathogenesis, carcinogenesis, computational and synthetic models, nickel trafficking proteins, and enzymology.

An essential text for biochemists, biologists and medicinal chemists, this book provides a comprehensive review of the latest findings in nickel biology, covering the function, biochemistry, toxicology and medical applications of nickel systems.

In this timely monograph, the author summarizes the rapidly growing body of knowledge regarding nickel by providing a balanced discussion of its harmful and beneficial effects. Coverage includes a history of nickel; the chemistry of nickel, descriptions of the four known enzymes which contain nickel; and nickel metabolism in microbes, plants, and animals. Taken as a whole, Dr. Hausinger's work will highlight key features of this important element and help define future research.